Carlos Delgado bows out

Former slugger played for the Blue Jays, Marlins and Mets

Former All-Star first baseman Carlos Delgado has retired, ending a 17-year Major League career in which he hit 473 home runs and collected 1,512 RBIs.

Delgado, 38, sustained a season-ending hip injury in May 2009, which led to his retirement announcement on Wednesday.

During his playing days, he was a feared and consistent hitter as a member of the Blue Jays, Marlins and Mets. He had 11 seasons with 30 or more home runs, and a career batting average of .280. He remains Toronto's all-time leader in home runs (336) and RBIs (1,058).

"I am blessed to have had the opportunity of a lifetime, to have been able to work in what I always felt passionate about: baseball," Delgado said in announcing his retirement.

Delgado made his Major League debut in 1993 with the Blue Jays and remained with the organization until 2004. He played for the Marlins for one season (2005), before joining the Mets. He played for the Mets from 2006-2009.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.